Via Christmas cards, learned several relatives may have faced the tsunami

[salin]

Family went through the Norwegian Christmas cards this afternoon (half of my family roots are norwegian - most still in Norway). One cousin was finishing up her teaching training "in the new year" in Sri Lanka ... another cousin was taking his family (wife and kids) to Thailand and the region for a two week Christmas vacation.

Damn the hour differences - have to wait tomorrow to call. The cards were sent long in advance - telling of plans of the children in the family. We have no idea when people were planning to be where. Calls will be made tomorrow.

I never met the future teacher (though my mother has, and I have met the mother); but I have met the father of the family in Thailand. The news - written as holiday messages about what the family is up to (from two seperate families) was rather eerie to read - the letters were written several weeks ago. Being one of the only branches of the family that came to America - we aren't in the immediate notification loop. Til we call... it will remain rather eerie.

-Best wishes to all of the survivors - may they find their needs met.
-Prayers to the families of those who have perished.
-Hard to muster up the happy tone to wish all "Happy New Year" - but the sentiment is passed on, none the less.

[HeeBGBz]

1. I hope you hear good news

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[GOPisEvil]

2. I hope you hear good news.

Happy New Year.

[salin]

3. Thank you both, HeeBGBz and GOPisEvils

I hope so, as well.

I have more direct relatives in Norway than I do in the U.S. But we are mainly in communication through Christmas cards. With the older relatives - there is more frequent communication - as there are more direct contacts with my mother. Just a bit unsettling when the (several weeks old news) puts several different relatives and their families straight in the middle of these tragic events.

Your best wishes and prayers are much appreciated.